Chapter 3
Leaves In The Kitchen
Through her tears, the Old Took woke up and stared at his daughter as she lay her head down upon the edge of his bed.
"My Belladonna, my lovely Belladonna!" whispered The Old Took in a weak voice. "Why do you cry?"
Belladonna slowly looked up into her father's old gentle face. "Because without my inheritance, I'll lose Bag End!"
"Oh, my dear!" said the old Took, "You should go and ask your mother, she'll give you all the money you need! Now please, let your Papa sleep!"
"Mama?" questioned Belladonna, so shocked by his answer. "But Papa, Mama has passed away many long years ago!"
The Old Took waved his hand towards her, "Go play with you sisters, now! Your Papa is very tired and I need my rest!"
"Oh, Papa! I'm grown and have been married for over 30 years! I'm not a child any longer!" said Belladonna as her own words dawned on her and echoed back in her mind. She stood shocked and dismayed while she stared upon her father and now knew what Isengrim meant by her father being so feeble minded. It frightened her. "Oh, Papa, don't worry yourself none! You get some rest and your Belladonna will be here to help you, I love you, Papa!" Belladonna stood and bent over to kiss his brow.
The Old Took patted her hand gently when she stood. "Good night, my child!"
"Good night, Papa!" said Belladonna as she turned and walked out of his bedroom and quietly closed his door.
Isengrim waited in the hallway for his sister and saw the worry in her face as he slowly approached her. "What did Papa tell you?"
Belladonna looked at her brother and as if seeing him for the first time. She finally understood him and knew how hard this really was on him. Being eighty-eight years old and taking the Thainship and caring for the Old Took has taken a toll on him. "Oh, Isengrim. You were right! He's mind is very feeble!" She lightly touched her brother's arm as she looked up into his aged eyes. "Forgive me Isengrim, I was not aware things were this bad! You will not have any more trouble from me and Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you!"
Isengrim took his sister's hand and tenderly patted it. "I'm sorry for our harsh words to one another. It has just been so very difficult with Papa and taking over being the Thain is harder than I imagined it to be!"
Belladonna put her arms around her brother. "I'm sorry too, Isengrim. So very sorry, for being so blind and so childish. For living a life over sixty years, I should have seen the errors of my ways. I guess, I too was so caught up in my own little world!"
For the next few days, Belladonna was by her brother's side helping him organized the Took's office so he would have everything that he needed to take over the clan and become the Thain of the Shire. In those few days, she got to know her brother better than she had during the time they had grown up together.
The day finally arrived for the celebration of the Old Took's birthday. The cooks had baked a wondrously huge cake. Guests arrived by the cart-full and soon filled the entire grounds and gardens of the Great Smial.
The Old Took was almost childlike in his anticipation of his, one hundred and thirtieth birthday. Isengrim fashioned a special small cart for his father's birthday so he could ride in it. Filling it full of soft pillows, it would be easier for him rather than trying to walk. He was proud to wheel his father about to greet all the visitors. Gifts were brought out in numerous baskets to hand out to the guests. Some gifts were fancy, while others were considered very useful. But each of the guests treasured their own special little gift.
Belladonna made him a lap blanket to keep him warm from the thinning of his skin from his old age. Her father thanked her for the gift. She stood by her sister, Mirabella and her bow, Gorbadoc Brandybuck, who had come all the way from Buckland. The three watched the Old Took as Isumbras pushed his father to the table of honor to begin celebrating his birthday. Isengrim joined Belladonna and escorted her to the table.
Many times during the evening meal, the Old Took kept asking for Gandalf so he could see the fireworks one last time. Donnamira commented to her brother Hildagrim if he had seen the old wizard, but he shook his head. "Who knows when the wizard will arrive!"
When Hildbrand sat on the other side of Belladonna and hearing his brother's comment, he said, "The wizard should be along shortly. I seen him when I first arrived!"
Belladonna turned to Hildbrand, "Have you seen Bungo or Bilbo arrive yet?"
Hildbrand shook his head. "No, Bella! But there are wagons still arriving!"
Belladonna wiped her lips with her napkin and excused herself. "I'll go see about the wizard and to see if my husband has arrive yet!"
Her family nodded as they watched her leave the table and go into the Smial.
Bilbo and Bungo arrived at the Great Smial with one carpet bag of clothes for their overnight stay as they were planning to go back to Bag End in the morning. Belladonna raced to greet them and hugged them tenderly. Bilbo followed his parents into the Great Smial and made sure to wipe his feet before he entered. Belladonna took Bungo's bag and placed it into her room. Rejoining them, they proceeded outdoors to the garden where the guests were gathering.
On the way to the garden, something caught Bilbo's attention as he got a glimpse of what he thought was a tall pointed hat just walking through a rounded doorway. He paused while his parents kept walking and they had gone outside through the kitchen entrance.
Bilbo scuttled across the room without making a single noise. He spotted the tip of the pointed hat as he quietly patted his feet across the floor and almost caught up with it. A very tall fellow with a long graybeard wore the hat. He followed the tall stranger from behind to see what he was up too. He had recognized him to be a friend of the Old Took and heard of his famous fireworks, but for the life of Bilbo, he could not remember his name. Ducking behind a door or behind a sofa, Bilbo was able to observe the strange fellow from a very safe distance, all the while being so quiet that the tall fellow was unaware of his presence.
Bilbo almost giggled when the gray-bearded fellow would turn around only for Bilbo to sneak around the other side of him. He heard him order the servants to take his bags and set them outside in an open area of the garden away from the guests. He ordered them to bring him a tall mug of ale while he waited. Standing in front of the window he would stroke his long, gray-beard and gaze out at all the guests. He noticed the tall fellow would shift his eyes from corner to corner sensing Bilbo's presence, but not being able to spot him.
When the wizard finally went outside he quickly ducked behind the hedge and waited. When Bilbo thought the way was clear as he too walked outside only to be scared out of his wits when the wizard suddenly appeared behind him.
"So you're the one who has been tailing me since my arrival!" said Gandalf.
Too surprised to say anything, Bilbo only gasped out-loud.
"I'm sorry if I have frightened you, but you should not be sneaking around were a person can not see you. It makes a wizard very nervous!"
So flustered being caught and cornered, Bilbo backed up as far as he dare without offending the wizard. "Dear me, I really must sit down and collect my wits and perhaps have a drink. May I get you another ale?" asked Bilbo trying to recover from being so scared and not knowing what a hobbit could say to such a large wizard. He was shocked that he had offered to get him an ale, which meant that he would have to come back to face him again. Something that he really did not want to do.
Gandalf chuckled as he observed this strange little hobbit. "Yes, Thank you, and perhaps you would join me in a drink!"
Politely excusing himself, Bilbo scurried off rapidly in search of the tables where the kegs of ale were kept for the guests. He had hoped there would still be a clean mugs to save him a trip of going back into the Smial to find one or perhaps to wash a few. That thought worried Bilbo as he did not know if one should keep a wizard waiting too long. It could be seen as bad manners.
Mumbling under his breath as he scuttled over to the table of kegs. He took out his handkerchief and dabbed his brow as he began to sweat from his nerves. He was delighted when he saw a fresh stack of mugs sitting there. Taking a mug he quickly filled it and took a few large gulps.
Sigismond Took raced up behind Bilbo seeing his favorite cousin. "Oh, Bilbo! I am so happy that you have finally made it. I was becoming very bored just standing around with nothing to do!"
Bilbo almost jumped out of his skin being approached so suddenly by his cousin and about spit out the entire amount of ale he had in his mouth. "Well if you are in need of keeping your hands busy, perhaps you could help me with my problem. It seems the wizard wished to have a drink with me, but I do not think we have anything in common in which to talk about! How about you joining me in having that drink with him?" said Bilbo in hopes that it would take the focus off of him and direct it towards his cousin. He knew Sigismond could talk your ear off if he had a reason too.
Sigismond smiled with delight. "I would love too, Bilbo. I envy you that the wizard had taken an interest in you and wishes to get to know you better. Perhaps he will tell you and I one of his many stories!"
"He tells stories?" asked Bilbo as he raised the corner of his eyebrow in surprise.
Sigismond's eyes widened as he poured himself a mug of ale. "Yes, yes! Lots of stories!"
Bilbo looked questionably at him, "What kind of stories, if I may ask?"
"Stories of dragons, goblins and Gaints!" he said in his excitement as he raised his voice on the last of the choices.
"Dragons you say?" asked Bilbo. "Oh, I would very much like to hear a story about dragons, I dare say!" The Took side of his bloodline began to over take him, while the Baggins side of him wished he were at home waiting for the kettle to sing.
Bilbo had filled two mugs of ale and there was nothing else that he could think of as to what to do. He knew it was time that he had better get back to seeing the wizard.
Gandalf extended his hand and took the mug of ale. "Thank you, um....I don't think that we have been properly introduced. My name is Gandalf, But I am betting that you all ready know that!"
Bilbo shook his head, "No, sir. On the contrary, We have not met and I have not known your name before now! If you please, sir!'
Bilbo nervously chewed on his bottom lip, so flustered his mind raced trying to think of what he should say next.
Sigismond jabbed him in the ribs with his elbow and scowled at Biblo for not introducing him to the wizard. "Oh, please do excuse me! This is my cousin, Sigismond Took and my name is Biblo Baggins. It is quite the pleasure to meet you, kind sir! Would you tell us a story?" But Bilbo thought better of that just incase his cousin was wrong about his story telling and suddenly said, "or not tell us a story!"
Sigismond barged passed Bilbo and took Gandalf's hand to shake it, but still Gandalf focused his attention on Bilbo and ignored Sigismond. "What do you mean, sir? If you are saying that you would like a story, I could tell you one! If you are saying not to tell you a story, so that way you can leave my company! Then, which would it be, Mr. Baggins?"
Bilbo quietly shuffled his feet in the dirt and then placed his hands behind his back so he could stand properly to face him. "Do you have one about dragons?"
Gandalf smiled and seeing a bench just a few steps from where he stood, walked over and sat down. He waved his hands to the other hobbits so they would join them also. Bilbo sat the farthest away as his hearing was quite good and he felt the most comfortable sitting in the back even if that meant sitting close by Otho Sackville-Baggins. He listened intently as Gandalf began his story.
A brown, mousy-hair hobbitess with long tight curls sat just a little away from Bilbo, but she had kept her eyes upon him the entire time when the wizard had told his favorite dragon story.
Bilbo had not given her a single look in her direction during the story telling nor was he aware that she was watching him. The only thing he had noticed was his ears began to twitch and he could not figure out why they would do such a thing. Ignoring his twitching ears, Bilbo intently listened to the wizard's story, sitting there quietly.
Just as soon as the story ended and the hobbits all clapped their hands to show the wizard their appreciation of a good tale, Bilbo saw Logo Bracegirdle standing with a pipe clutched between his teeth.
He thought it was time to enjoy a smoke with him.
Gandalf looked around for Bilbo Baggins, but did not see the clever little hobbit that had escaped him. Gandalf went in search of Gerontius, the Old Took to wish him a happy birthday.
~*~
Bungo smiled at Belladonna and quickly asked her for a dance as the fiddle players stood on wooden crates and were playing a lovely melody.
Belladonna nodded and began to walk over to the dance-floor, but stop just short of it. Knowing there was not a better time then now to tell her husband the news that they had lost the hesitance and most likely Bag End next, just incase her brother might mention it to him sometime this evening.
Belladonna took Bungo's hands and held them tenderly in hers. Looking into his eyes her tears began to flow, "Bungo, I'm not greedy! Honestly, I'm not! I have tried my best, but I have failed!"
Bungo tried to put his arms around his wife to comfort her seeing the tears running down her cheeks, but she pulled him away in fear of losing her nerve to tell him. "I've failed Bungo! I have failed to get any more inheritance! I lost everything for us, all our dreams, everything! We may lose Bag End. It's my fault! I over did it! Now, I'm being punished for trying to get our dreams to come true!"
"Tis, tis! My beloved, dearest Belladonna!" said Bungo. "You have not failed nor we have not failed. We will never lose Bag End. You see my dear, you married a Baggins! That means something! When does a Took or Baggins fail?...... Never, I tell you!" Bungo held his chin up high to show his wife the pride in his name. "We may not have no inheritance, but that does not mean we have lost! On the contrary, my love! I love you, Belladona and as long as I have you by my side, we could never fail! I have not married you for what you could bring from your inheritance. Despite our faults, I see your heart. Even though I may never understand you fully, but you have a heart that loves our family so much that you dream grand things for us. Things that you are willing to go to all ends for. We are going to build, Belladonna. We are going to build and we are going prosper! With your creative flare and my skills with wood, we will build a life that you have always dreamed about. I have not given up and it is not your nature to give up either, being the proud Took that you are!"
Bungo looked into her eyes tenderly and smiled at her, "Why your name alone, 'Belladonna' sets my heart to dance!" He put his arm around his wife and took her small little hand in his and he began to dance with her, turning her around and around. Belladonna began to giggle and cry at the same time. She wrapped both her arms around her husband and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Bungo. I'll love you forever!"
Logo slightly nudged Bilbo's ribs and then pointed to Bungo and Belladonna. "Now that is true love, Bilbo, my lad. A love others can only dream about!"
Bilbo stared at his father as Bungo kissed his mother tenderly while holding her in his arms. Bilbo shuddered slightly and immediately dismissed such actions as frivolous, but as he turned away from them, he smiled slightly with a bit of a giggle under his breath.
"How about I treat you to a mug of ale and a pinch of pipe weed!" said Logo as they turned away from the loving couple.
Lobellia watched as her father walked right passed her smiling and laughing with Bilbo Baggins.
The Old Took grasped Gandalf's hand and shook it as they greeted each other. But even Gandalf could sense that the Old Took had seen the last of any more birthdays to come. The Old Took was in failing health.
When the evening came to a close, Gandalf fired off numerous fireworks and laughed when he saw his dearest friend, the Old Took watching them with a faint sparkle in his very old eyes.
Before the night was over with, Bungo had agreed that he would go into partnership with Logo to build fine furniture and hobbit homes. Logo loved Belladonna's designs and also hired her to create more of them for his customers.
It was not long in the months that followed that Bungo and Belladonna were making more money than they had ever dreamed. Her designs were selling rapidly as the hobbits admired the beautiful curls in the delicate leaves of her patterns.
Even with the money that they were making, Bungo did not have any more time to continue to work on Bag End, building the fourth section. He closed that area off by putting in a door and locking it shut. It was rumored by the good folk of Hobbiton that Bungo had made tunnels to store all the money in he was making.
Bilbo scurried through the dirt streets of Hobbiton with a stack of drawings that belonged to his mother. He had promised her that he would deliver them to his aunt on his father's side, Chick Chubbs-Baggins.
As he rushed through the crowded street and dodging the hobbits that passed him, he suddenly bumped directly into Camellia Sackville-Baggins with her son Otho by her side. Biblo's drawings went flying in the air as Otho despicably stepped on them. Bilbo crouched on the ground and saw a hairy- foot on one of his mother's drawings. Camellia noticed the beautiful leaf patterns on the paper and bent down to pick it up. Looking at it closer she noticed that she had seen this pattern many times in homes and business around their town.
"Good morning Bilbo, what do you have here?" asked Camellia Sackville- Baggins.
Bilbo's ears began to twitch nervously as he pulled the drawing away from Otho once he lifted his hairy-foot. Standing up Bilbo extended his hand to take the drawing from his aunt and commented. "Good morning, Aunt Camellia and cousin Otho! These are my mother's newest drawing for leaves that my father needs to begin craving them for my aunt Chick!"
Camellia looked at the drawing again before she handed it back to Bilbo. "I don't see why everyone is making such a fuss about having these horrible leaf cravings around their homes! After all they are just leaves!"
Bilbo nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes! I most certainly agree with you! Mother is just too busy and our engagement tablet is just too full! It seems every home in Hobbiton has mother's designs in their kitchens. Well, all except yours, of course! It's a good thing that at least one hobbit home will be empty of these leaves! Uncomfortable thing! Having second breakfast late every morning, It comes from all this work and talk of leaves!"
Bilbo put the drawings in a neat stack and was about to place them under his arm before bidding them another, 'Good morning'. However, Camellia pulled the top drawing from Bilbo's pile and said, "Have your mother stop by my home this afternoon so I can place my order for her designs! I'll not be the only hobbit not having leaves in my kitchen!"
Bilbo's shoulders slumped thinking that he may have another late meal served before this day was finished. Bilbo closed his eyes and slightly nodded in agreement before his said, "Good morning," and turned to enter the Chubb-Baggins home just has his ears stopped twitching.
In that month, Belladonna was the happiest she had ever been, she had gotten a letter for her eldest brother the Thain asking her to come home quickly. Their father had died in his sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
MLynnBloom : Now that made me smile knowing you liked both those descriptive lines about Bilbo and his father working on their cravings and Logo's country home. I did leave you hanging just a bit. You know I have to do those things in order to set-up the next chapter and to keep it interesting enough for you to come back and read more! Yes, Lotho does has a daughter and only child. Wink! But happiness might not ensue when it comes to this hobbit! But we will see..smiles* evil laugh******
ShireElf : I try not to make poor Old Tolkien take a turn in his grave because I love LOTR so much, I only wish I was a better writer! Yikes and double YIKES! Belladonna is really a very good hobbit, but has grand idea's she wants for her family. Growing up in the Great Smial surrounded by all those brothers, I see her as somewhat spoiled and being a Took, is very proud of her heritage. I don't think she likes being treated anything less than how others treat her brothers. Bag End is Belladonna's dream, to have something that she can hand down to her child and his children for generations to come. Naturally it has to be grand, because she is use to very big hobbit homes-coming from the Great Smial. I think she sees her son as disinterested in the female of their kind and needs direction in order to achieve a long lineage of Baggins.
"There has always been a Baggins under this roof, and there always will be!" I loved that line in the movie where Bilbo is writing in his book. In my story, I think Belladonna put that thought into Bilbo's head and why Bilbo decided to have Frodo as his heir. He loved Bag End as much as Belladonna.
Leaves In The Kitchen
Through her tears, the Old Took woke up and stared at his daughter as she lay her head down upon the edge of his bed.
"My Belladonna, my lovely Belladonna!" whispered The Old Took in a weak voice. "Why do you cry?"
Belladonna slowly looked up into her father's old gentle face. "Because without my inheritance, I'll lose Bag End!"
"Oh, my dear!" said the old Took, "You should go and ask your mother, she'll give you all the money you need! Now please, let your Papa sleep!"
"Mama?" questioned Belladonna, so shocked by his answer. "But Papa, Mama has passed away many long years ago!"
The Old Took waved his hand towards her, "Go play with you sisters, now! Your Papa is very tired and I need my rest!"
"Oh, Papa! I'm grown and have been married for over 30 years! I'm not a child any longer!" said Belladonna as her own words dawned on her and echoed back in her mind. She stood shocked and dismayed while she stared upon her father and now knew what Isengrim meant by her father being so feeble minded. It frightened her. "Oh, Papa, don't worry yourself none! You get some rest and your Belladonna will be here to help you, I love you, Papa!" Belladonna stood and bent over to kiss his brow.
The Old Took patted her hand gently when she stood. "Good night, my child!"
"Good night, Papa!" said Belladonna as she turned and walked out of his bedroom and quietly closed his door.
Isengrim waited in the hallway for his sister and saw the worry in her face as he slowly approached her. "What did Papa tell you?"
Belladonna looked at her brother and as if seeing him for the first time. She finally understood him and knew how hard this really was on him. Being eighty-eight years old and taking the Thainship and caring for the Old Took has taken a toll on him. "Oh, Isengrim. You were right! He's mind is very feeble!" She lightly touched her brother's arm as she looked up into his aged eyes. "Forgive me Isengrim, I was not aware things were this bad! You will not have any more trouble from me and Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you!"
Isengrim took his sister's hand and tenderly patted it. "I'm sorry for our harsh words to one another. It has just been so very difficult with Papa and taking over being the Thain is harder than I imagined it to be!"
Belladonna put her arms around her brother. "I'm sorry too, Isengrim. So very sorry, for being so blind and so childish. For living a life over sixty years, I should have seen the errors of my ways. I guess, I too was so caught up in my own little world!"
For the next few days, Belladonna was by her brother's side helping him organized the Took's office so he would have everything that he needed to take over the clan and become the Thain of the Shire. In those few days, she got to know her brother better than she had during the time they had grown up together.
The day finally arrived for the celebration of the Old Took's birthday. The cooks had baked a wondrously huge cake. Guests arrived by the cart-full and soon filled the entire grounds and gardens of the Great Smial.
The Old Took was almost childlike in his anticipation of his, one hundred and thirtieth birthday. Isengrim fashioned a special small cart for his father's birthday so he could ride in it. Filling it full of soft pillows, it would be easier for him rather than trying to walk. He was proud to wheel his father about to greet all the visitors. Gifts were brought out in numerous baskets to hand out to the guests. Some gifts were fancy, while others were considered very useful. But each of the guests treasured their own special little gift.
Belladonna made him a lap blanket to keep him warm from the thinning of his skin from his old age. Her father thanked her for the gift. She stood by her sister, Mirabella and her bow, Gorbadoc Brandybuck, who had come all the way from Buckland. The three watched the Old Took as Isumbras pushed his father to the table of honor to begin celebrating his birthday. Isengrim joined Belladonna and escorted her to the table.
Many times during the evening meal, the Old Took kept asking for Gandalf so he could see the fireworks one last time. Donnamira commented to her brother Hildagrim if he had seen the old wizard, but he shook his head. "Who knows when the wizard will arrive!"
When Hildbrand sat on the other side of Belladonna and hearing his brother's comment, he said, "The wizard should be along shortly. I seen him when I first arrived!"
Belladonna turned to Hildbrand, "Have you seen Bungo or Bilbo arrive yet?"
Hildbrand shook his head. "No, Bella! But there are wagons still arriving!"
Belladonna wiped her lips with her napkin and excused herself. "I'll go see about the wizard and to see if my husband has arrive yet!"
Her family nodded as they watched her leave the table and go into the Smial.
Bilbo and Bungo arrived at the Great Smial with one carpet bag of clothes for their overnight stay as they were planning to go back to Bag End in the morning. Belladonna raced to greet them and hugged them tenderly. Bilbo followed his parents into the Great Smial and made sure to wipe his feet before he entered. Belladonna took Bungo's bag and placed it into her room. Rejoining them, they proceeded outdoors to the garden where the guests were gathering.
On the way to the garden, something caught Bilbo's attention as he got a glimpse of what he thought was a tall pointed hat just walking through a rounded doorway. He paused while his parents kept walking and they had gone outside through the kitchen entrance.
Bilbo scuttled across the room without making a single noise. He spotted the tip of the pointed hat as he quietly patted his feet across the floor and almost caught up with it. A very tall fellow with a long graybeard wore the hat. He followed the tall stranger from behind to see what he was up too. He had recognized him to be a friend of the Old Took and heard of his famous fireworks, but for the life of Bilbo, he could not remember his name. Ducking behind a door or behind a sofa, Bilbo was able to observe the strange fellow from a very safe distance, all the while being so quiet that the tall fellow was unaware of his presence.
Bilbo almost giggled when the gray-bearded fellow would turn around only for Bilbo to sneak around the other side of him. He heard him order the servants to take his bags and set them outside in an open area of the garden away from the guests. He ordered them to bring him a tall mug of ale while he waited. Standing in front of the window he would stroke his long, gray-beard and gaze out at all the guests. He noticed the tall fellow would shift his eyes from corner to corner sensing Bilbo's presence, but not being able to spot him.
When the wizard finally went outside he quickly ducked behind the hedge and waited. When Bilbo thought the way was clear as he too walked outside only to be scared out of his wits when the wizard suddenly appeared behind him.
"So you're the one who has been tailing me since my arrival!" said Gandalf.
Too surprised to say anything, Bilbo only gasped out-loud.
"I'm sorry if I have frightened you, but you should not be sneaking around were a person can not see you. It makes a wizard very nervous!"
So flustered being caught and cornered, Bilbo backed up as far as he dare without offending the wizard. "Dear me, I really must sit down and collect my wits and perhaps have a drink. May I get you another ale?" asked Bilbo trying to recover from being so scared and not knowing what a hobbit could say to such a large wizard. He was shocked that he had offered to get him an ale, which meant that he would have to come back to face him again. Something that he really did not want to do.
Gandalf chuckled as he observed this strange little hobbit. "Yes, Thank you, and perhaps you would join me in a drink!"
Politely excusing himself, Bilbo scurried off rapidly in search of the tables where the kegs of ale were kept for the guests. He had hoped there would still be a clean mugs to save him a trip of going back into the Smial to find one or perhaps to wash a few. That thought worried Bilbo as he did not know if one should keep a wizard waiting too long. It could be seen as bad manners.
Mumbling under his breath as he scuttled over to the table of kegs. He took out his handkerchief and dabbed his brow as he began to sweat from his nerves. He was delighted when he saw a fresh stack of mugs sitting there. Taking a mug he quickly filled it and took a few large gulps.
Sigismond Took raced up behind Bilbo seeing his favorite cousin. "Oh, Bilbo! I am so happy that you have finally made it. I was becoming very bored just standing around with nothing to do!"
Bilbo almost jumped out of his skin being approached so suddenly by his cousin and about spit out the entire amount of ale he had in his mouth. "Well if you are in need of keeping your hands busy, perhaps you could help me with my problem. It seems the wizard wished to have a drink with me, but I do not think we have anything in common in which to talk about! How about you joining me in having that drink with him?" said Bilbo in hopes that it would take the focus off of him and direct it towards his cousin. He knew Sigismond could talk your ear off if he had a reason too.
Sigismond smiled with delight. "I would love too, Bilbo. I envy you that the wizard had taken an interest in you and wishes to get to know you better. Perhaps he will tell you and I one of his many stories!"
"He tells stories?" asked Bilbo as he raised the corner of his eyebrow in surprise.
Sigismond's eyes widened as he poured himself a mug of ale. "Yes, yes! Lots of stories!"
Bilbo looked questionably at him, "What kind of stories, if I may ask?"
"Stories of dragons, goblins and Gaints!" he said in his excitement as he raised his voice on the last of the choices.
"Dragons you say?" asked Bilbo. "Oh, I would very much like to hear a story about dragons, I dare say!" The Took side of his bloodline began to over take him, while the Baggins side of him wished he were at home waiting for the kettle to sing.
Bilbo had filled two mugs of ale and there was nothing else that he could think of as to what to do. He knew it was time that he had better get back to seeing the wizard.
Gandalf extended his hand and took the mug of ale. "Thank you, um....I don't think that we have been properly introduced. My name is Gandalf, But I am betting that you all ready know that!"
Bilbo shook his head, "No, sir. On the contrary, We have not met and I have not known your name before now! If you please, sir!'
Bilbo nervously chewed on his bottom lip, so flustered his mind raced trying to think of what he should say next.
Sigismond jabbed him in the ribs with his elbow and scowled at Biblo for not introducing him to the wizard. "Oh, please do excuse me! This is my cousin, Sigismond Took and my name is Biblo Baggins. It is quite the pleasure to meet you, kind sir! Would you tell us a story?" But Bilbo thought better of that just incase his cousin was wrong about his story telling and suddenly said, "or not tell us a story!"
Sigismond barged passed Bilbo and took Gandalf's hand to shake it, but still Gandalf focused his attention on Bilbo and ignored Sigismond. "What do you mean, sir? If you are saying that you would like a story, I could tell you one! If you are saying not to tell you a story, so that way you can leave my company! Then, which would it be, Mr. Baggins?"
Bilbo quietly shuffled his feet in the dirt and then placed his hands behind his back so he could stand properly to face him. "Do you have one about dragons?"
Gandalf smiled and seeing a bench just a few steps from where he stood, walked over and sat down. He waved his hands to the other hobbits so they would join them also. Bilbo sat the farthest away as his hearing was quite good and he felt the most comfortable sitting in the back even if that meant sitting close by Otho Sackville-Baggins. He listened intently as Gandalf began his story.
A brown, mousy-hair hobbitess with long tight curls sat just a little away from Bilbo, but she had kept her eyes upon him the entire time when the wizard had told his favorite dragon story.
Bilbo had not given her a single look in her direction during the story telling nor was he aware that she was watching him. The only thing he had noticed was his ears began to twitch and he could not figure out why they would do such a thing. Ignoring his twitching ears, Bilbo intently listened to the wizard's story, sitting there quietly.
Just as soon as the story ended and the hobbits all clapped their hands to show the wizard their appreciation of a good tale, Bilbo saw Logo Bracegirdle standing with a pipe clutched between his teeth.
He thought it was time to enjoy a smoke with him.
Gandalf looked around for Bilbo Baggins, but did not see the clever little hobbit that had escaped him. Gandalf went in search of Gerontius, the Old Took to wish him a happy birthday.
~*~
Bungo smiled at Belladonna and quickly asked her for a dance as the fiddle players stood on wooden crates and were playing a lovely melody.
Belladonna nodded and began to walk over to the dance-floor, but stop just short of it. Knowing there was not a better time then now to tell her husband the news that they had lost the hesitance and most likely Bag End next, just incase her brother might mention it to him sometime this evening.
Belladonna took Bungo's hands and held them tenderly in hers. Looking into his eyes her tears began to flow, "Bungo, I'm not greedy! Honestly, I'm not! I have tried my best, but I have failed!"
Bungo tried to put his arms around his wife to comfort her seeing the tears running down her cheeks, but she pulled him away in fear of losing her nerve to tell him. "I've failed Bungo! I have failed to get any more inheritance! I lost everything for us, all our dreams, everything! We may lose Bag End. It's my fault! I over did it! Now, I'm being punished for trying to get our dreams to come true!"
"Tis, tis! My beloved, dearest Belladonna!" said Bungo. "You have not failed nor we have not failed. We will never lose Bag End. You see my dear, you married a Baggins! That means something! When does a Took or Baggins fail?...... Never, I tell you!" Bungo held his chin up high to show his wife the pride in his name. "We may not have no inheritance, but that does not mean we have lost! On the contrary, my love! I love you, Belladona and as long as I have you by my side, we could never fail! I have not married you for what you could bring from your inheritance. Despite our faults, I see your heart. Even though I may never understand you fully, but you have a heart that loves our family so much that you dream grand things for us. Things that you are willing to go to all ends for. We are going to build, Belladonna. We are going to build and we are going prosper! With your creative flare and my skills with wood, we will build a life that you have always dreamed about. I have not given up and it is not your nature to give up either, being the proud Took that you are!"
Bungo looked into her eyes tenderly and smiled at her, "Why your name alone, 'Belladonna' sets my heart to dance!" He put his arm around his wife and took her small little hand in his and he began to dance with her, turning her around and around. Belladonna began to giggle and cry at the same time. She wrapped both her arms around her husband and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Bungo. I'll love you forever!"
Logo slightly nudged Bilbo's ribs and then pointed to Bungo and Belladonna. "Now that is true love, Bilbo, my lad. A love others can only dream about!"
Bilbo stared at his father as Bungo kissed his mother tenderly while holding her in his arms. Bilbo shuddered slightly and immediately dismissed such actions as frivolous, but as he turned away from them, he smiled slightly with a bit of a giggle under his breath.
"How about I treat you to a mug of ale and a pinch of pipe weed!" said Logo as they turned away from the loving couple.
Lobellia watched as her father walked right passed her smiling and laughing with Bilbo Baggins.
The Old Took grasped Gandalf's hand and shook it as they greeted each other. But even Gandalf could sense that the Old Took had seen the last of any more birthdays to come. The Old Took was in failing health.
When the evening came to a close, Gandalf fired off numerous fireworks and laughed when he saw his dearest friend, the Old Took watching them with a faint sparkle in his very old eyes.
Before the night was over with, Bungo had agreed that he would go into partnership with Logo to build fine furniture and hobbit homes. Logo loved Belladonna's designs and also hired her to create more of them for his customers.
It was not long in the months that followed that Bungo and Belladonna were making more money than they had ever dreamed. Her designs were selling rapidly as the hobbits admired the beautiful curls in the delicate leaves of her patterns.
Even with the money that they were making, Bungo did not have any more time to continue to work on Bag End, building the fourth section. He closed that area off by putting in a door and locking it shut. It was rumored by the good folk of Hobbiton that Bungo had made tunnels to store all the money in he was making.
Bilbo scurried through the dirt streets of Hobbiton with a stack of drawings that belonged to his mother. He had promised her that he would deliver them to his aunt on his father's side, Chick Chubbs-Baggins.
As he rushed through the crowded street and dodging the hobbits that passed him, he suddenly bumped directly into Camellia Sackville-Baggins with her son Otho by her side. Biblo's drawings went flying in the air as Otho despicably stepped on them. Bilbo crouched on the ground and saw a hairy- foot on one of his mother's drawings. Camellia noticed the beautiful leaf patterns on the paper and bent down to pick it up. Looking at it closer she noticed that she had seen this pattern many times in homes and business around their town.
"Good morning Bilbo, what do you have here?" asked Camellia Sackville- Baggins.
Bilbo's ears began to twitch nervously as he pulled the drawing away from Otho once he lifted his hairy-foot. Standing up Bilbo extended his hand to take the drawing from his aunt and commented. "Good morning, Aunt Camellia and cousin Otho! These are my mother's newest drawing for leaves that my father needs to begin craving them for my aunt Chick!"
Camellia looked at the drawing again before she handed it back to Bilbo. "I don't see why everyone is making such a fuss about having these horrible leaf cravings around their homes! After all they are just leaves!"
Bilbo nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes! I most certainly agree with you! Mother is just too busy and our engagement tablet is just too full! It seems every home in Hobbiton has mother's designs in their kitchens. Well, all except yours, of course! It's a good thing that at least one hobbit home will be empty of these leaves! Uncomfortable thing! Having second breakfast late every morning, It comes from all this work and talk of leaves!"
Bilbo put the drawings in a neat stack and was about to place them under his arm before bidding them another, 'Good morning'. However, Camellia pulled the top drawing from Bilbo's pile and said, "Have your mother stop by my home this afternoon so I can place my order for her designs! I'll not be the only hobbit not having leaves in my kitchen!"
Bilbo's shoulders slumped thinking that he may have another late meal served before this day was finished. Bilbo closed his eyes and slightly nodded in agreement before his said, "Good morning," and turned to enter the Chubb-Baggins home just has his ears stopped twitching.
In that month, Belladonna was the happiest she had ever been, she had gotten a letter for her eldest brother the Thain asking her to come home quickly. Their father had died in his sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
MLynnBloom : Now that made me smile knowing you liked both those descriptive lines about Bilbo and his father working on their cravings and Logo's country home. I did leave you hanging just a bit. You know I have to do those things in order to set-up the next chapter and to keep it interesting enough for you to come back and read more! Yes, Lotho does has a daughter and only child. Wink! But happiness might not ensue when it comes to this hobbit! But we will see..smiles* evil laugh******
ShireElf : I try not to make poor Old Tolkien take a turn in his grave because I love LOTR so much, I only wish I was a better writer! Yikes and double YIKES! Belladonna is really a very good hobbit, but has grand idea's she wants for her family. Growing up in the Great Smial surrounded by all those brothers, I see her as somewhat spoiled and being a Took, is very proud of her heritage. I don't think she likes being treated anything less than how others treat her brothers. Bag End is Belladonna's dream, to have something that she can hand down to her child and his children for generations to come. Naturally it has to be grand, because she is use to very big hobbit homes-coming from the Great Smial. I think she sees her son as disinterested in the female of their kind and needs direction in order to achieve a long lineage of Baggins.
"There has always been a Baggins under this roof, and there always will be!" I loved that line in the movie where Bilbo is writing in his book. In my story, I think Belladonna put that thought into Bilbo's head and why Bilbo decided to have Frodo as his heir. He loved Bag End as much as Belladonna.